Question

What does Hans Jonas means when he says, "We need wisdom the most when we believe in it the least?"

Answer 1

Knowledge is knowing something and wisdom is using it in the right place, at the right time and with the right people. Thus, it’s not how much one knows that matters but it’s about how and where one uses it that matters. So, becoming wise would help one choose better, showcase oneself better and understand the environment where one lives. This would help one overcome most of the day today issues that one faces.

In particular to the context of this quote, Hans Jonas is trying to establish the foolishness in human consumerism mindset that exploited most of the resources and the disaster they caused in the world with the technological advancement. The pollution and the wastes of all kinds have damaged the ecosystem to a great extent that people are struggling for resources. So, he calls the people of the world to act wisely and protect the environment.

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